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Tag: governor

  • Workers, APC kick against governor’s solidarity strike

    The striking workers in Ekiti State and the state All Progressives Congress (APC) have kicked against a solidarity strike declared by Governor Ayodele Fayose on Friday.

    The workers told the governor that all they needed from him “is the five months’ arrears of salaries” owed them and not “a solidarity strike”.

    The aggrieved workers said they would appreciate if Fayose pays at least three months from the arrears owed, rather than trivialising the grave situation by going on strike in solidarity with them.

    Fayose had in a broadcast on Friday told a bemused people of the state that he had placed himself on an indefinite strike to show concern and sympathy with the workers.

    Workers under the auspices of the state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) had commenced an indefinite strike action to press home the payment of the salary arrears and December 2015 deductions.

    The state TUC Chairman, Odunayo Adesoye, in an interview with reporters yesterday, said the situation of civil servants has become very pathetic as many of them had resorted to begging to survive.

    Adesoye said: “We appreciate the governor for sharing from our pains and anguish. But the workers will appreciate and commend him the more if he can pay at least two or three months salaries out of five months owed.

    “Our situation has gone beyond the governor declaring mere solidarity strike. We need more of actions now than talks because our situation is gradually becoming hopeless.”

    The state APC described the decision of Fayose to “go on strike” as a “mockery of the suffering caused by him and which he obviously enjoys.”

    The party, in its reaction to the governor’s broadcast, said the action portrayed him as “an unserious leader not prepared for the challenges of governance.”

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the APC advised Fayose to resign from office rather than entertaining the people of the state with what it called “moonlight drama”.

    Describing Fayose’s conduct as “a height of insensitivity of a callous leader, the APC said his action spoke much about his personality as “a man bereft of finesse to be entrusted with the leadership of the people for development”.

  • ‘Edo Central should produce next governor’

    ‘Edo Central should produce next governor’

    Ahead of the June 18 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship  primary in Edo State, an aspirant, Peter Esele, has thrown his weight behind the agitation by the Edo Central Senatorial District for power shift.

    He, however, cautioned that while the agitation is germane, the district should seek the support of the other senatorial districts

    Esele said  education, agriculture and the reawakening of the cultural heritage will be the focus of his administration, if elected as governor.  He added: “While I am in full support of the agitation by some leaders in Edo Central for an Esan governor, we must bear in mind that the other two senatorial districts must be carried along.

    “But, in doing this, we need to look at the person that can win the general election; someone who cuts across the senatorial districts and that person, without being immodest, is me. We must negotiate with other districts.

    “We first must look at the track records and antecedent of that person,his acceptability to other districts and importantly someone who can inspire the younger generation.

    “I believe I have been well groomed in the art of leading people and managing resources. My track records at PENGASAN, TUC, even at my age, is there for you  to see. Our focus will be to reawakening our cultural heritage as means to boosting tourism and raising income and job creation for our people.”

    On the proposed primary, the former trade unionist said: “I will settle for a free,fair and credible primaries. Let the delegates decide on who to lead them. I will have an issue, if the election is not free and fair.”

  • Alleged N200m fraud: EFCC’s suspect not my adviser, says governor

    Alleged N200m fraud: EFCC’s suspect not my adviser, says governor

    The Enugu State Government yesterday said a suspect, Pastor Sam Iyiogwe, arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N200milion fraud is not a special adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    It said the suspect was a local government chairman when the offence was allegedly committed.

    It restated the state administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

    The clarification was contained in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Louis Amoke who said it was imperative to “put the records straight, which is the hallmark of this administration.”

    He said:” That Pastor Sam Iyiogwe, is not a Senior Special Adviser to the Enugu State Government on Special Duties as was reported. That he is one of Senior Special Assistants that were recently appointed in March this year by the State Government and to the best of our knowledge, he has not handled any financial transaction of the government other than receiving his monthly salary.

    “That he was elected two-term Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state which started on January 4, 2012 during the past administration of Mr. Sullivan Chime and ended on January 4, 2016.

    “That the allegations leveled against him have to do with his stewardship during his tenure as Chairman of the council and have nothing to do with his current appointment in this present administration.

    “That we are not unmindful of the resolve by a few persons to attempt to distract the government but we remain focused bearing in mind the goodwill the state government enjoys from the people.

    “That the State Government will remain committed to zero tolerance for corruption and continue to support the EFCC and other related agencies in its fight against corruption in the country.”

     

  • EFCC grills Enugu governor’s adviser over N200m fraud

    EFCC grills Enugu governor’s adviser over N200m fraud

    The Economic and Fnancial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed a Senior Special Adviser to Enugu State Government on Special Duties, Pastor Sam Ifeanyi Iyiogwe, for alleged embezzlement of over N200million.

    The cash was allegedly laundered when was the chairman of the Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.

    The height of the sleaze was the alleged payment of N1.5million monthly to his wife without legislative approval.

    Also, the cashier of the council, Mrs. Felicia Okeke, withdrew N80million from the council account with UBA and deposited same into the UBA bank account of the suspect while in office.

    According to a top source in the commission, the invitation of the Special Adviser followed a petition on how he allegedly mismanaged funds while in office.

    Some of the allegations are as follows:

    • Diversion of funds meant for the development of the local government into a  personal account,
    • Spending funds without approval from the Nkanu East Local Government Area Legislative Council,
    • Non-execution of up to 30% capital project captured under 2012 – 2015 for which billions of naira were appropriated,
    • Withholding of workers’ salaries for several months, including leave allowances which were never paid for four years,
    • Refurbishment of the LGA bus with N5, 000,000(five million naira) and lavishing N5, 000,000 (Five Million Naira) of bribe to some council members to cover up some of his corrupt practices,
    • Operation of a domiciliary account with $30,000.

    The source added: “Iyiogwe, who is said to be a pastor, was alleged to have been paying his wife N1.5m monthly without legislative approval. He allegedly diverted public funds for the construction of a shopping plaza at the Ogui Road Junction; an estate near Mbaukwu Street, Enugu; a multi-million naira mansion in his village at Ubaha; a filling station at Agbani; fleet of cars for transport services being managed by his wife in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    “He was said to have used some of his special advisers to divert N20million for road repairs that was never carried out, while awarding another road contract for N100million that was never constructed, among other alleged infractions.

    “Investigations into the allegations contained in the petition confirmed that the cashier of the council, Mrs. Felicia Okeke, withdrew N80million from the council account with UBA and deposited same into the UBA bank account of the suspect while in office.”

    The source added that the Head of Works of the local government, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, admitted during interrogation that he was used by the suspect to “steal and launder various sums of money.”

    “Okonkwo admitted that the suspect, Pastor Sam Iyiogwe Ifeanyi, actually asked him to forge the various receipts used for the retirement of the looted funds, while a certain Evangelist Felix Okoye forged the receipts of Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, Radio Nigeria and Nigerian Television Authority NTA, used in carrying out some fund retirement for purported Public Relations.”

    The EFCC said investigation was still ongoing as at press time.

    More arrests might be made with all the suspects likely to be arraigned for trial.

  • Governor loses bid to stop suit

    Governor loses bid to stop suit

    Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu yesterday lost in a bid to stop the hearing of a suit challenging his qualification to contest the last governorship election.

    The suit was filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja by a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Maj.-Gen. Bello Sarkin (rtd) and two others – Anthony Itanyi and Sahabi Sani Sami.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola, in a ruling, rejected the objections raised against the hearing of the suit by the defendants –  Bagudu, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    It is the plaintiffs’ contention that Bagudu made false representation to INEC by claiming that he is not under fine for offence involving dishonesty or fraud or any offence imposed by a court or tribunal, when it had been discovered that he was allegedly fined by a court in the United States.

    As against the argument by the defendants, Justice Ademola held among others, that the suit was not statute barred; that the court has jurisdiction to hear the suit and that the plaintiffs, particularly Sarkin, have the locus standi (the right to initiate an action in court) to initiate the suit.

    The judge struck out some of the plaintiffs’ prayers as contained in their writ of summons on the grounds that they were such that only election tribunals could grant.

    He retained five reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, which he said would be determined at the conclusion of proceedings in the substantive suit.

    The reliefs include:

    • A declaration that the information given by the 1st defendant in the Affidavit of Personal Particulars submitted by him to the 3rd defendant (i.e Form CF001), particularly at Part E(General), Item No. 2 thereof, to the effect that he is not under a fine for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud or any offence imposed by a court or tribunal is false.
    • A declaration that by reason of the false information given by the 1st defendant in the Affidavit of Personal Particulars submitted by him to the 3rd defendant (i.e Form CF001), particularly at Part E (General), Item No. 2 thereof, the 1st defendant, is by virtue of Section 31(6) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) disqualified from contesting the 2015 governorship election in Kebbi State conducted by the 3rd defendant on April 11, 2015.
    • An order restraining the 3rd defendant by herself, officers, servants, agents, howsoever called, from recognising, treating or dealing with the 1st defendant as a candidate qualified to contest the 2015 governorship election in Kebbi State held on April 11, 2015 and from conferring on the 1st defendant any benefit, right or privilege as a candidate qualified to contest the 2015 governorship election in Kebbi State, held on April 11, 2015.
    • An order setting aside, nullifying and voiding all rights, benefits or privileges conferred on or accruing to 1st defendant as a candidate for the 2015 governorship election in Kebbi State held on April 11, 2015 or which may have accrued to or be conferred on him by reason of his having contested the 2015 governorship election in Kebbi State being that the 1st defendant was abinitio not qualified to contest or disqualified from contesting the election.
    • An order cancelling as null and void the certificate of return issued to the 1st defendant by the 3rd defendant.

    Justice Ademola adjourned till June 1 for the hearing of the substantive suit.

  • A governor’s uncommon love for workers

    A governor’s uncommon love for workers

    Since he became Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has scored many firsts. He is the first to pay workers’ salaries every month. Between 13th and 20th of every month, salaries are paid. And to set a new record, he paid this month’s salaries on the first day of the month. Not because he was out to play any stunt but as a demonstration of his love

    The governor paid April salaries less than two weeks before paying May’s. April salaries were paid on the 20th.

    Ayade’s feats will make more sense when juxtaposed with the fact that states with ten times Cross River’s revenue are owing arrears of salaries.

    To enhance purchasing power and reduce poverty, he signed into law a bill that exempts minimum wage earners from paying taxes and he has just introduced a car ownership scheme for civil servants. Also, he has removed a 23-year old embargo placed on employment into civil service.

    Ayade, in his inaugural speech, vowed that no workers in the state will go hungry which have resulted in his faithfully ensuring the regular and prompt payments of salaries of the state work force every month.

    Others initiatives by Ayade to enlarge the labour space in the state include the establishment of the Calabar garment factory where over 2500 cross Riverians will be given employment and the Green Police where another 1000 jobs have been created.

    The ongoing construction of the Calabar Pharmaceutical industry and the Thai Africa Rice city where over 3000 people will be engaged and given a means by the Ayade’s government to provide food for their families are also initiatives which show the governor’s love for his people. The Organized Labour in Cross River State recently declared him the Most-Labour Friendly Governor in Nigeria.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade John Ushie, said the workers in the state are very happy with the governor for his pro –workers policy and pledged total support of all the workers in the state to his administration. The NLC state chairman stated this when he led executive members of the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Public Service Negotiating Council in the state on a courtesy call on the governor at the State Executive Council Chambers in Calabar.

    According to Ushie, “The Organised Labour has resolved to single you out in the whole Nigeria and West Africa as the Digital and Best-Labour Friendly Governor.”

    He explained that Ayade was chosen for the award for a number of reasons, including prompt payment of workers salary and the courage to embark on economy changing projects like the 260km superhighway, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, the Calabar Garment and Textile Factory and the establishment of Green Police.

    His words: “Since your assumption of office, every 13th to 18th day of each month, workers smile home with their salaries. We have gone through the records and across all other states since our colleagues exist in all, we have also found that you have surpassed your colleagues in Nigeria and have gone far to surpass the Federal Government especially in the area of payment of salaries. “

    The NLC chairman who reiterated the resolve of the Organized Labour in Cross River to work in harmony with the governor, prayed God to grant him the needed wisdom to steer the ship of the state.

    “We will not deceive you as we will speak out on anything we feel strongly about. As you know, Labour leaders cannot be coerced, and nobody will instigate us against your government. We also believe that nobody will instigate you against us.”

    Ayade applauded the Organised Labour in the state for the honour and promised to do more for workers in the state despite the downturn in the nation’s economy.

    “I thank you for all your kind words. For labour to find me worthy of an award calls for celebration because you are a people who cannot be bribed. You are not a people who can be sold, you very courageous people,” the governor said.

    Touched by the plights of retirees who have to wait for their benefits for long after service to their fatherland, Ayade said “society will be so unfair if this continues,” stressing that “the primary thing for a man who fears God is to ensure that those who toil do not do so in vain.”

    The governor assured that issues of pensions, promotions and gratuity will be looked into.

    He also lauded the Organised Labour in the state for their concern towards good governance in the state.

    Certainly, there is more in the goody bags for workers in the state and for the workers, this seems to be the beginning. And Ayade deserves praises and not condemnation.

    • Daniel sent in this pice from Calabar.
  • I regret making Suswam governor, says Akume

    I regret making Suswam governor, says Akume

    •Donates 500 tricycles 

    Senate Minority Leader in the Seventh National Assembly, Senator George Akume of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said he regretted ensuring that Gabriel Suswam became Benue State governor.

    Akume served as the governor between 1999 and 2007 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was succeeded by Suswam (PDP), who till 2007 represented Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    Speaking at the weekend at the distribution of tricycles to Benue Northwest people, Senator Akume said he coerced and insisted that Suswam be made governor, as it was against the wishes of the people.

    He said his insistence that Suswam be made governor was to bring development to the poverty-stricken state, “but I regret because I had no premonition that my successor would embezzle the state’s fund.”

    Akume said Benue, a richly agricultural state, is broke because of the alleged corrupt practices of the Suswam administration.

  • ‘Oke-Ogun should produce next Oyo governor’

    ‘Oke-Ogun should produce next Oyo governor’

    An appeal has gone to the Oyo State All Progressive Congress (APC) to zone the governorship to Oke-Ogun in 2019.

    The appeal came from the President of Oke-Ogun Liberation Movement, Alhaji Fatai Azeez, shortly after the monthly meeting of the group in Iseyin.

    Azeez said the Oke-Ogun community, which makes up 10 of the 33 local governments in Oyo State, has not produced a governor since the inception of the state in 1976, in spite of its contribution to the socio-economic development of the state.

    Lamenting the fate of the community, he said: “It is on record that Oke-Ogun gave the current administration the second largest vote in the last election.

    “The APC lost only in one council out of 10 that make up the community. As we have garnered support for the APC at every election, it is regrettable that none of our sons or daughters has been considered  fit  to be governor.

    “This trend should stop for justice to reign. Bayelsa State is made up just eight local government areas and Ibadan axis where most of the governors have been coming from has 11 councils. Oke-Ogun has 10. We are, therefore, appealing to those in control of the APC to consider this before the next election.”

    Azeez decried the neglect the community, adding that there are many abandoned projects, including the Ikere Dam and many state and federal roads. He said many towns and villages in the Oke-Ogun axis lack amenities, including hospitals, maternities, electricity, schools and modern markets.

    He added: “Repair of these roads and provision of these facilities will enhance the economic wellbeing of the people, reduce crime, restiveness among youths and make life bubble again among rural dwellers. Youths that are interested in agriculture are not encouraged by the bad roads, as their produce often gets damaged before they are evacuated to nearby markets.”

    He pledged to work with other interest groups to end what he descry bed as the marginalisation of the area. He said: “We will work assiduously with other groups within and outside the community to liberate Oke-Ogun, by making an indigene a governor come 2019.”

  • Ex-deputy governor Jafojo’s remains buried

    Ex-deputy governor Jafojo’s remains buried

    •My dad lived well, says son

    •Jakande, Ajomale, others mourn 

    The remains of the first former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Rafiu Jafojo, were buried yesterday at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos at 3.15pm.

    Jofojo served in the Lateef Jakande administration from October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1983 during the Second Republic under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

    The funeral prayer was led by the Tesfir of Ikeja Central Mosque, Alhaji Addulafeez Ololagba.

    Jakande said the late Jafojo was a loyal deputy, who was committed to party affairs.

    “During our days, he was committed to service. He was a nice man, who gave his best to the people of Lagos. I am sure Lagos State and the country will miss him.”

    House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the late Jafojo was one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos.

    He said: “His efforts in the Second Republic laid the solid foundation from which the Centre of Excellence has evolved and developed over the years.

    “Papa was a very patriotic Nigerian who was well known for his progressive pro-democratic idea and promoter of equity and justice.

    “Together with Alhaji Jakande and other members of the 1979-1983 class, they laid a solid foundation for the development and growth of the state,” he said.

    State APC Chairman Otunba Dele Ajomale said the deceased was a political strategist, whose immense contribution brought victory to the party, particularly in his domain at Ikeja.

    Ajomale said: “He excelled in his service to mankind. I pray that God will welcome him to His paradise.

    “ His death is going to affect us in so many ways unless we get grip of his followers.

    “We are not losing anything because he has made all arrangements for his supporters to remain with the APC.

    “We are grateful to God that he was able to do that for the party. We thank God for his life and for his achievements.

    “He and Papa Jakande opened positive impact on the poor people of Lagos that is why all the other governments have followed Jakande’s footsteps. They created the new Lagos.”

    APC chieftain Tajudeen Olusi said Jafojo was a great man. “He was loyal and hard working, a devoted public servant, who did his best for humanity, the country will definitely miss him because he was concerned about the development of humanity.”

    His son, Adewale, who is Obasa’s Chief of Staff, described the life of his father as a life well spent.

    Adewale said nobody wants to lose their parents or their loved ones even if they live more than 200 years on earth.

    Praising the late former deputy governor, he said the deceased has contributed his own part to the state’s development.

    At the occasion were Deputy Governor Mrs. Idiat Adebule, Deputy Speaker Wasiu Eshinlokun, former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, Senator Bode Olajumoke, former Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lanre Odubote, Commissioner for Environment Babatunde Adejare, Commissioner for Home Affairs AbdulHakeem Addulateef, Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business DistrictAgboola Dabiri, Deji Jakande, Tajudeen Durosimi-Etti, representative of the Oba of Lagos and others.

  • NDA-ISAIAH ELECTED PMAN GOVERNOR

    THE members of the FCT Chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) have formally endorsed Solomon NDA-Isaiah as it governor following the resignation of Collins Adeyemi, the erstwhile governor.

    This was made during its usual general meeting held March 31 at Rita Lori Hotel Garki, Abuja.

    In his acceptance speech, NDA-Isaiah promised to work diligently for the upliftment of the association and for the benefit of all musicians adding that he was ready to put in his time resources, energy and contact to see to the success of the association. He also stressed on the need to bring in all aggrieved members together so that the association could regain its lost glory.

    “I contested as the chairman of PMAN FCT in 2004 but lost to Makossa Queen. I had wanted to lead the PMAN FCT Chapter because of the big plans I have for the Abuja music scene and musicians. But due to some factors, I couldn’t really achieve that at that point. But I later bounced back 10-years later to win the deputy governor position of the association. I am here on a rescue mission…It’s time to face reality. I don’t believe in talking too much, I believe in action and I need the full cooperation of all the musicians in Abuja in order to revamp the industry. I promise to do all within my powers and with God by my side, we are going to move PMAN FCT Chapter to greater heights,” he promised.

    Also reacting, the PMAN Secretary, Vincent Omoko aka Cent Moko congratulated the new Governor, pledging his undying support. He also called on all members to support the new governor to move the association forward.

    King Waleman also set the mood high with one of his popular tunes Garin Kano.

    Until his appointment, NDA-Isaiah served as deputy to Adeyemi.